Antiviral aryloxyalkylpyrazoles

ABSTRACT

4-(Aryloxyalkyl)pyrazoles of the formula ##STR1## useful as antiviral agents, are prepared by reacting the corresponding diketones of the formula Ar--O--Alk--CH(COR&#39;)COR&#34; with hydrazine or a substituted hydrazine H 2  NNHR. Mono- or bis-pyrazoles are similarly obtained from bis-diketones of the formula ##STR2##

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to aryloxyalkylpyrazoles, to the preparation thereof and to compositions and methods for the use thereof as antiviral agents.

(B) Description of the Prior Art

Sterling Drug U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,246, issued June 21, 1977, discloses compounds useful as pesticidal and antiviral agents and having the formula ##STR3## wherein Ar is phenyl or substituted phenyl, Alk is alkylene of 3-10 carbon atoms and R is lower-alkyl. These compounds are intermediates in the preparation of the compounds of the instant invention.

Grandberg et al., Zhur. Obshchei Khim. 30, 2942 (1960); Chem. Abst. 55, 16519e (1961) discloses, inter alia, 4-benzyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole. No biological properties are disclosed for the latter compound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a composition of matter aspect, the invention relates to 4-(aryloxyalkyl)pyrazoles and pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salts thereof, said pyrazoles having the formula ##STR4## wherein Ar is phenyl or substituted phenyl, Alk is an alkylene bridge, and R, R' and R" are selected substituents as defined hereinbelow.

In a further composition of matter aspect, the invention relates to phenylenedioxy compounds of the formulas ##STR5## wherein R is hydrogen or lower-alkyl, R' is lower-alkyl and n is an integer from 3 to 7; and acid-addition salts of said compounds.

In a further composition of matter aspect, the invention relates to a composition for combatting viruses which comprises an antivirally effective amount of a compound of formula I, II or III in admixture with a suitable carrier or diluent.

In a process aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of formula I which comprises reacting a diketone of the formula Ar-O-Alk-CH(COR')COR" with a hydrazine of the formula H₂ NNHR.

In a further process aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a compound of formula II or III which comprises reacting a bis-diketone of the formula ##STR6## with a hydrazine of the formula H₂ NNHR.

In a further process aspect, the invention relates to a method for combatting viruses which comprises contacting the locus of said viruses with an antivirally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, II or III.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION INCLUSIVE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred aspect of the invention relates to compounds of formula I above wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, carboalkoxyalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or phenyl; R' is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; R" is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl or hydroxy; Alk is alkylene of 3 to 10 carbon atoms optionally interrupted by an oxygen atom separated by at least two carbon atoms from the terminal bonds of Alk; and Ar is phenyl or phenyl substituted by from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, lower-alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkylthio of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, benzyloxy and trifluoromethyl.

Particularly preferred aspects of the invention relate to compounds of formula I wherein R is hydrogen, and R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; wherein R is hydrogen, R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Ar is 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl; wherein R is hydrogen, and R' and R" are phenyl; wherein R is lower-alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or wherein R is lower-alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Ar is 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl.

Compounds of formula I where the group R is tertiaryamino-lower-alkyl, tertiary-amino-lower-alkanoyl or pyridyl are also within the purview of the invention.

In the above general formula I, Alk stands for a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon bridge containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms. The alkylene bridge may be straight or branched. A preferred class of compounds are those where Alk is straight chain alkylene of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and if the Alk bridge is branched, it is preferred that it be symmetrical, that is with the branching at the same relative positions from either end of the bridge.

The alkylene bridge, Alk, is optionally interrupted by an oxygen atom separated by at least two carbon atoms from the terminal bonds of Alk. The oxygen atom is preferably in the center of the alkylene bridge, equidistant from the terminal bonds of Alk.

The carbon chains of R and R' can be straight or branched, thus including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, secondary-butyl and tertiary-butyl.

When two or three monovalent substituents are present on the phenyl ring of Ar, they can be the same or different. When halo substituents are present, they can be any of the four common halogens, fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

The compounds of formula I are prepared by interacting a diketone or keto-ester of the formula ##STR7## wherein R' is lower-alkyl and R" is lower-alkyl or lower-alkoxy, with hydrazine or a derivative thereof of the formula H₂ NNHR. The intermediate diketones and keto-esters are obtained as described in copending application Ser. No. 576,311, filed May 12, 1975, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,246, issued June 21, 1977, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The reaction is carried out by heating the reactants together, preferably at a temperature between about 50° and 100° C. in an inert solvent for a period ranging from several minutes to several hours. Stoichiometrically equivalent amounts of the reactants may be used, although a slight excess of hydrazine reactant is generally employed.

In the event a keto-ester (R" is lower-alkoxy) is used as the starting material, the alkoxy group is cleaved during the course of the reaction and a compound of formula I wherein R" is OH is obtained.

Alternatively, it is possible to prepare compounds of formula I where R is alkyl by alkylation of the corresponding compounds of formula I where R is hydrogen with an alkyl halide in the presence of a strong base, preferably in an inert solvent under anhydrous conditions.

A further aspect of the invention relates to compounds of formulas II or III, given above, wherein R is hydrogen or lower-alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R' is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and n is an integer from 3 to 7.

The compounds of formulas II and III are prepared by interacting a compound of formula IV, given above, with hydrazine or a derivative thereof of the formula H₂ NNHR. Substantially equimolar quantities of bis-diketone IV and hydrazine give a monopyrazole of formula II. The use of two or more molecular equivalents of hydrazine relative to the bis-diketone produces a bispyrazole of formula III. The reaction conditions are essentially the same as those used to prepare compounds of formula I.

The intermediate bis-diketones (IV) are in turn prepared by one of two methods (a) or (b), as follows:

(a) Interacting hydroquinone with two molar equivalent amounts of a compound of the formula Hal-(CH₂)_(n) CH(COR')₂, where Hal is bromine or iodine, in the presence of a base in an inert organic solvent. The haloalkyldiketone reactant is in turn prepared by interacting a dihalide Hal(CH₂)_(n) Hal with the alkali metal salt of a diketone, R'COCH₂ COR'.

(b) Interacting a compound of the formula 4-[Hal-(CH₂)_(n) -O]-C₆ H₄ -O-(CH₂)_(n) -Hal, where Hal is bromine or iodine, with an alkali metal salt of a diketone, R'COCH₂ COR', in an inert solvent. The bis-halide reactant is in turn prepared by interacting hydroquinone with an alkylene dihalide, Hal(CH₂)_(n) Hal.

In the event that acid-addition salts of the compounds of the invention are prepared and used, the nature of the anion is not critical provided it is relatively non-toxic to mammals and thus pharmaceutically acceptable. Such anions include chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, acetate and other alkanoates such as hexanoate and nonanoate; lactate, tartrate, cyclohexylsulfamate and various sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, tosylate and naphthalenesulfonate.

The structures of the compounds of the invention were established by the modes of synthesis, by elementary analysis, and by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral determinations.

Biological evaluation of the compounds of the invention has shown that they possess antiviral activity. They are thus useful in combatting viruses present on inanimate surfaces as well as viral infections in animal organisms. The in vitro testing of the compounds of the invention against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 and rhinovirus 14 has showed that they inhibited viral growth at minimum concentrations (MIC) ranging from about 0.7 to about 50 micrograms per milliliter. The MIC values were determined by standard serial dilution procedures. In vivo activity has also been demonstrated in the treatment of mouse genital herpes simplex type 2 infection.

The antiviral compositions are formulated by preparing a dilute solution or suspension in an organic or aqueous-organic medium, for example ethyl alcohol, acetone, dimethylsulfoxide, and the like; and are applied to the locus to be disinfected by conventional means such as spraying, swabbing or immersing. Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated as ointments or creams by incorporating them in conventional ointment or cream bases, such as alkylpolyether alcohols, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and the like; as jellies by incorporating them in conventional jelly bases such as glycerin and tragacanth; or as aerosol sprays or foams. The antivirally effective component of the composition is present in a conventration of between about 0.7 parts per million and about 5 percent by weight, depending upon the chemical species used, the object to be treated and the type of formulation employed. For disinfection of inanimate surfaces with aqueous or aqueous-organic solutions, concentrations in the lower part of the range are effective. For topical application in medical or veterinary use in the form of ointment, cream, jelly or aerosol, concentrations in the upper part of the range are preferred.

The following examples will further illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ].

Hydrazine hydrate (15.7 ml, 0.32 m) was added over a 20 min. period to a slurry of 100 g (0.272 m) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione in 300 ml of methanol. The internal temperature rose to a maximum of 50° C. during the addition. The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for one hour, and the solvent was then removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 300 ml of methylene dichloride and the resulting solution was washed with three 100 ml portions of water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated to leave 100 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole as a colorless oil.

The free base thus obtained was dissolved in 250 ml of ethyl acetate and the solution was treated with a solution of 19.3 ml (0.30 m) of methanesulfonic acid in 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The mixture was filtered and cooled to 5° C. for two hours. The solid which had formed was collected by filtration and dried overnight in vacuo at 40° C. to yield 105.5 g (84.5%) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole in the form of its methanesulfonate salt, m.p. 91°-93° C. An additional 14.0 g (11%), m.p. 90°-92° C. was obtained from the mother liquor by evaporation and recrystallization of the residue from ethyl acetate.

A mixture of 18.5 g (0.05 m) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione and 5 ml of 100% hydrazine hydrate in 100 ml of absolute ethanol was heated at reflux for five hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, the residue dissolved in 50 ml of ethanol, and the solution made acid with hydrochloric acid. The latter solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue crystallized twice from an isopropyl alcohol-ether mixture to give 14.5 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole in the form of its hydrochloride salt, m.p. 117°-118° C. The corresponding hydrobromide salt had the m.p. 118°-120° C.

A mixture of 18.25 g (0.05 m) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole in the free base form and 7.9 g (0.05 m) of nonanoic acid was warmed on a steam bath. The reaction mixture was filtered through activated charcoal and degassed at 50° C. (0.1 mm) to give 12.7 g of the nonanoic acid acid-addition salt of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole as a pale yellow liquid.

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀ H₂₉ ClN₂ O₂.C₉ H₁₈ O₂ : C, 66.58; H, 9.06; Cl, 6.78. Found: C, 66.67; H, 9.00; Cl, 6.89.

4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole methanesulfonate when tested in vitro against herpes simplex type 1 (herpes 1), herpes simplex type 2 (herpes 2) and human rhinovirus type 14 showed antiviral activity at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 3-6, 6 and 3 micrograms per milliliter, respectively. The compound was also effective in treatment of mice vaginally infected with herpes simplex type 2; survival rates of 80-100% were observed after intravaginal administration of a 10% aqueous solution of the compound in saturated cotton tampons.

By procedures similar to those used in Example 1, and starting with the appropriate aryloxyalkyl diketone, Ar-O-Alk-CH(COR')COR", and hydrazine or substituted hydrazine, H₂ NNHR, the following compounds were prepared in yields varying from about 30 to 90 percent.

EXAMPLE 2 4-[6-(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 4-CH₃ O-2-O₂ NC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 103°-105° C., yellow solid from acetonitrile; MIC=1 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 3 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-nitrophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-O₂ NC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 130°-132° C., colorless solid from acetonitrile.

EXAMPLE 4 4-[6-(4-Bromophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 4-BrC₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], free base, m.p. 78°-80° C., colorless solid from acetonitrile. The intermediate 4-[6-(4-bromophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione had the m.p. 31°-33° C.

EXAMPLE 5 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is CH₃, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], free base, colorless liquid, b.p. 190°-195° C. (0.01 mm), purified by chromatography on silica with ether; MIC=6 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 6 4-[5-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)pentyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₅, R is CH₃, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], free base, yellow oil, b.p. 190°-200° C. (0.1 mm), purified by chromatography on silica; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 7 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are CH₃ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 150°-151° C., off-white crystals from acetonitrile; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 8 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Ar is (CH₂)₆, R, R' and R" are CH₃ ], free base, pale yellow oil, b.p. 200°-205° C. (0.03 mm), purified by chromatography on silica; MIC=0.7 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 9 4-{2-[2-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₂ O(CH₂)₂, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 90°-92° C., off-white needles from ethyl acetate; MIC=12 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 10 4-[6-(2,5-Dichloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2,5-Cl₂ -4-CH₃ OC₆ H₂, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 148°-150° C., colorless crystals from acetonitrile.

EXAMPLE 11 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-hydroxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-HOC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 109°-111° C., colorless crystals from acetonitrile and 2-butanone; MIC=12 microg/ml (herpes 2). The starting material for this preparation was 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-benzoyloxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione (prepared from 2-chloro-4-benzoylphenol and 4-(6-bromohexyl)-3,5-heptanedione). The benzoyl group was hydrolyzed during the procedure.

EXAMPLE 12 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole-1-ethanol

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is CH₂ CH₂ OH, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ]. The product was distilled at 215°-225° C. (0.05 mm) and chromatographed on silica with ethyl acetate to yield the free base as a pale yellow oil; MIC=12 microg/ml (herpes 2).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₂ H₃₃ ClN₂ O₃ : C, 64.61; H, 8.13; Cl, 8.64. Found: C, 64.77; H, 8.10; Cl, 9.01.

EXAMPLE 13 Ethyl 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-acetate

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is CH₂ COOC₂ H₅, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ].

A mixture of 18.45 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione, 7.73 g of carbethoxymethylhydrazine hydrochloride and 5 g of triethylamine in 100 ml of absolute ethanol was heated at reflux for 8 hours. The product was isolated and distilled to give 16.7 g of ethyl 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-acetate as a pale yellow oil, b.p. 205°-210° C. (0.05 mm); MIC=6-12 microg/ml (herpes 1 and 2).

EXAMPLE 14 4-[5-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)pentyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₅, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 80°-83° C., colorless solid from isopropyl acetate; MIC=6-12 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 15 4-[4-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)butyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₄, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, beige needles from isopropyl acetate; MIC=6-12 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 16 4-[7-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)heptyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₇, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, colorless powder from isopropyl acetate; MIC=6 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 17 4-[7-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)heptyl]-1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₇, R, R' and R" are CH₃ ], chromatographed on silica with ether, and distilled to give the free base as a pale yellow oil, b.p. 175°-185° C. (0.1 mm); MIC=0.7-1.5 microg/ml (herpes 2), 1.5 (herpes 1).

EXAMPLE 18 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is C₆ H₅, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], chromatographed on silica with chloroform:ether 97:3, and distilled to give the free base as a yellow oil, b.p. 215°-220° C. (0.05 mm); MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 19 4-(6-Phenoxyhexyl)-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is C₆ H₅, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 119°-121° C., colorless solid from isopropyl acetate.

EXAMPLE 20 4-[6-(4-Chlorophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 4-ClC₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 130°-132° C., colorless solid from acetonitrile; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 21 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' is CH₃, R" is OH].

A mixture of 11.1 g (0.03 m) of ethyl 2-acetyl-8-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)octanoate, 2.73 g (0.03 m) of thiosemicarbazide and 1.62 g (0.03 m) of sodium methoxide in 15 ml of methanol was heated at reflux for 24 hours. The solid product was collected, washed with 50% aqueous ethanol and recrystallized from ethanol to give 5.6 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol, m.p. 145°-146° C.; MIC=6 microg/ml (herpes 2). (During this reaction the thiocarbamyl group (CSNH₂) of the thiosemicarbazide was cleaved so that the reaction product is the same as that obtained when unsubstituted hydrazine is used.)

EXAMPLE 22 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is CH₂ CH₂ N(CH₃)₂, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], free base, yellow oil, b.p. 210°-215° C. (0.03 mm); MIC=6 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 23 4-[6-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 4-CH₃ OC₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 103°-105° C., colorless solid from acetonitrile.

EXAMPLE 24 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is 2-pyridinyl, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], free base, pale yellow oil, b.p. 215°-222° C. (0.025 mm); MIC=6 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 25 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methylthiophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ SC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ], hydrochloride salt, m.p. 150°-152° C., colorless crystals from ethanol. The intermediate 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methylthiophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione, b.p. 200°-210° C., was prepared from 2-chloro-4-methylthiophenol and 4-(6-bromohexyl)-3,5-heptanedione in the presence of potassium carbonate and potassium iodide.

By the procedures of the foregoing examples it is contemplated that the following compounds can be caused to react with hydrazine:

4-[6-(4-Benzyloxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione

4-[6-(2-Trifluoromethylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione

4-[10-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)decyl]-3,5-heptanedione

4-{6-[2-Chloro-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenoxy]hexyl}-3,5-heptanedione

4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione

4-[6-(4-Ethylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione to produce the following respective products:

4-[6-(4-Benzyloxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 4-C₆ H₅ OC₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ]

4-[6-(2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 2-F₃ CC₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ]

4-[10-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)decyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₁₀, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ]

4-{6-[2-chloro-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenoxy]hexyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-HOCH₂ CH₂ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ]

4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-di-tert-butyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C(CH₃)₃ ].

4-[6-(4-ethylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [I; Ar is 4-C₂ H₅ C₆ H₄, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ].

EXAMPLE 26 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-[4-(4-morpholinyl)-1-oxobutyl]-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is COCH₂ CH₂ CH₂ N(CH₂)₄ O, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ].

A mixture of 9.0 g (0.024 m) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole (Example 1), 5.31 g (0.0253 m) of morpholinobutyric acid hydrochloride and 5.61 g (0.0275 m) of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in 60 ml of methylene dichloride was stirred for 96 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was suspensed in ether and the solid product collected to give 4.6 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-[4-(4-morpholinyl)-1-oxobutyl]-1H-pyrazole, m.p. 93°-95° C.; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 1 and 2).

EXAMPLE 27 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is C₂ H₅, R' and R" are CH₃ ].

To a solution of 6.8 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole (Example 7) in 100 ml of dimethylformamide was added 1.13 g of sodium hydride. The mixture was stirred one hour at room temperature, and then 3.8 g of ethyl iodide was added and the reaction mixture stirred for six hours longer. The reaction mixture was concentrated to remove the solvent, the residue partitioned between dilute hydrochloric acid and methylene dichloride, and the organic layer washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica with hexane:ethyl acetate:acetonitrile 4:2:1 to give 2.6 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole as a pale yellow oil; MIC=0.7-1.5 microg/ml (herpes 1 and 2).

Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀ H₂₉ ClN₂ O₂ : C, 65.83; H, 8.01; N, 7.68; Cl, 9.72. Found: C, 65.51; H, 7.84; N, 7.63; Cl, 9.99.

The following two compounds were prepared according to the procedure of Example 27, using the appropriate pyrazole and alkyl iodide:

EXAMPLE 28 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1-propyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is CH₂ CH₂ CH₃, R' and R" are CH₃ ], free base, b.p. 195°-200° C. (0.025 mm), colorless oil; MIC=1.5 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 29 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1-butyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is (CH₂)₃ CH₃, R' and R" are CH₃ ], free base, b.p. 210° C. (0.05 mm), colorless oil; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 30 (a) 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methylsulfinylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione [V; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ SOC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ].

A solution of 23.5 g (0.0611 m) of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methylthiophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione in 250 ml of methanol was added to a stirred solution of 14.0 g (0.066 m) of sodium periodate in 250 ml of water. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and then concentrated in vacuo to remove the solvents. The residue was extracted with methylene dichloride and the extracts concentrated to an oily residue. The latter was chromatographed several times on silica and eluted with 15% acetone in ether to produce 6.9 g of 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methylsulfinylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione.

(b) 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methylsulfinylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ SOC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₂ H₅ ] was prepared from 6.9 g of the diketone obtained in part (a) above and 0.9 g of hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. The product (4.0 g) was obtained in the form of its hydrochloride salt, colorless crystals, m.p. 107°-108° C. (from 2-butanone); MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2); 1.5 microg/ml (human rhinovirus 14).

EXAMPLE 31 (a) 2-Benzoyl-8-[2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy]-1-phenyl-1-octanone [V; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R' and R" are C₆ H₅ ].

A mixture of 11.2 g (0.05 m) of dibenzoylmethane, 16.1 g (0.05 m) of 6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl bromide, 20.6 g (0.15 m) of milled potassium carbonate, 2.0 g of potassium iodide and 250 ml of 2-butanone was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered hot and concentrated to a brown oil. The latter was stirred with cold ether and seeded with a sample of the desired product having the m.p. 69°-70° C. The solid product thus obtained was collected to afford 9.0 g of 2-benzoyl-8-[2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy]-1-phenyl-1-octanone; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

(b) 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole

[I; Ar is 2-Cl-4-CH₃ OC₆ H₃, Alk is (CH₂)₆, R is H, R' and R" are C₆ H₅ ] was prepared from 9.0 g of the diketone obtained in part (a) above and 2.0 ml of hydrazine hydrate in 100 ml of ethanol. The product (4.9 g) was obtained in the form of its hydrochloride salt, colorless solid, m.p. 147°-150° C. when recrystallized from acetonitrile and acetone; MIC=3 microg/ml (herpes 2).

EXAMPLE 32 (a) 1,4-Bis(3-bromopropyloxy)benzene [Br(CH₂)₃ OC₆ H₄ O(CH₂)₃ Br]

A mixture of 181.2 g (0.9 m) of 1,3-dibromopropane, 12.5 g (0.113 m) of hydroquinone and 46.8 g milled potassium carbonate in 750 ml of 2-butanone was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered, evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was distilled to remove excess dibromopropane (125° C., 22 mm), leaving 38.6 g of product which was recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 23.1 g of 1,4-bis(3-bromopropyloxy)-benzene, m.p. 78°-80° C.

(b) 1,4-Bis(3-iodopropyloxy)benzene [I(CH₂)₃ OC₆ H₄ O(CH₂)₃ I]

A mixture of 23.1 g of 1,4-bis(3-bromopropyloxy)benzene and 25.0 g of sodium iodide in 500 ml of 2-butanone was heated at reflux for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo, the residue partitioned between water and methylene dichloride, and the organic portion washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 27.6 g of 1,4-bis(3-iodopropyloxy)benzene, m.p. 93°-95° C.

(c) 1,4-Bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)benzene [(CH₃ CH₂ CO)₂ CH(CH₂)₃ -OC₆ H₄ O(CH₂)₃ CH(COCH₂ CH₃)₂ ].

A solution of 16.1 g (0.126 m) of 3,5-heptanedione in 50 ml of dimethylformamide was added during 15 minutes to a stirred suspension of 1.2 g of lithium hydride in 100 ml of dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred one hour at room temperature and then a solution of 27.6 g (0.0619 m) of 1,4-bis(3-iodopropyloxy)benzene in 100 ml of dimethylformaide was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 60°-70° C. for about 16 hours and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled to remove volatiles (150° C., 0.05 mm) and chromatographed on 400 g of silica with chloroform:acetonitrile 95:5. The product was distilled at 250° C. (0.02 mm) and crystallized from ether to give 4.4 g of 1,4-bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)benzene, m.p. 57°-58° C.

(d) 4-{3-[4-(4,4-Dipropionylbutyloxy)phenoxy]propyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [II; R is H, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 3].

A solution of 0.36 ml (0.00815 m) of hydrazine hydrate in 350 ml of ethanol was added dropwise during a 90 minute period to a solution of 3.3 g (0.0074 m) of 1,4-bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)benzene in 700 ml of ethanol held at 0°-5° C. and with vigorous stirring. The reaction mixture was then heated at reflux for 2.5 hours and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. The solid product which formed was collected and stirred for two hours with 250 ml boiling isopropyl acetate, then filtered and concentrated. The solid residue was recrystallized from isopropyl acetate to give 1.6 g of 4-{3-[4-(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)phenoxy]propyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, m.p. 135°-136° C.

4-{3-[4-(4,4-Dipropionylbutyloxy)phenoxy]propyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole was tested against herpes simplex type 1 in vitro and showed antiviral activity at a minimal inhibitory concentration of 1.5 micrograms per milliliter.

EXAMPLE 33 4,4'-(1,4-Phenylenedioxy)bis(3,1-propanediyl)bis[3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole] [III; R is H, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 3].

A solution of 0.83 g (0.84 m) of hydrazine hydrate in 2 liters of ethanol was cooled to 5° C. and slowly added to a stirred solution of 7.7 g (0.0172 m) of 1,4-bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)benzene in 2 liters of ethanol held at 5° C. The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 90 minutes, then cooled and evaporated to remove the solvent to produce a colorless oil. The latter was dissolved in ether and ethereal hydrogen chloride added which caused separation of the hydrochloride salt of the product as a solid. The solid was collected and extracted with 400 ml of boiling isopropyl acetate. The material which remained undissolved was collected by filtration and treated with ammonium hydroxide to convert the hydrochloride salt to the free base. The basic mixture was extracted with methylene dichloride and the extracts dried and concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 0.7 g of 4,4'-(1,4-phenylenedioxy)-bis(3,1-propanediyl)bis[3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole], m.p. 110°-112° C.

In a second run, a solution of 5.6 ml (0.110 m) of 100% hydrazine hydrate in 100 ml of absolute ethanol was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 22.3 g (0.050 m) of 1,4-bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)benzene in 500 ml of absolute ethanol. The reaction mixture was stirred for two hours and then heated at reflux for 90 minutes. The ethanol was removed by stripping in vacuo, and the residual yellow gum was dissolved in isopropyl acetate and acidified slowly with ethanolic hydrogen chloride. The solid product which separated was collected by filtration, washed with isopropyl acetate, and recrystallized from absolute ethanol to give 19.2 g of 4,4'-(1,4-phenylenedioxy)bis(3,1-propanediyl)bis[3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole] in the form of its dihydrochloride salt, pale yellow powder, m.p. 274°-276° C. (decomp.).

By replacing the hydrazine in Examples 32(d) and 33 by molar equivalent amounts of methylhydrazine it is contemplated that the corresponding 1-methylpyrazole derivatives can be prepared, namely, 4-{6-[4-(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)phenoxy]propyl}-3,5-diethyl-1-methylpyrazole [II; R is CH₃, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 3] and 4,4'-(1,4-phenylenedioxy)bis(4,1-butanediyl)bis[3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole] [III; R is CH₃, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 3].

By replacing the 1,4-bis(4,4-dipropionylbutyloxy)-benzene in Examples 32(d) and 33 by a molar equivalent amount of 1,4-bis(8,8-dipropionyloctyloxy)benzene (m.p. 56°-57° C.) it is contemplated that there can be prepared 4-{7-[4-(8,8-dipropionyloctyloxy)phenoxy]heptyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole [II; R is H, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 7]; and 4,4'-(1,4-phenylenedioxy)bis(7,1-heptanediyl)bis[3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole] [III; R is H, R' is C₂ H₅, n is 7]. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of the formula ##STR8## wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, carboalkoxyalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or phenyl;R' is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; R" is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl or hydroxy; Alk is alkylene of 3 to 10 carbon atoms optionally interrupted by an oxygen atom separated by at least two carbon atoms from the terminal bonds of Alk; and Ar is phenyl or phenyl substituted by from 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, lower-alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkylthio of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkylsulfinyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, benzyloxy and trifluoromethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is hydrogen, and R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is hydrogen, R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Ar is 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl.
 4. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 5. 4-[6-(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 2. 6. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 7. 4-{2-[2-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 8. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-hydroxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 2. 9. 4-[5-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)pentyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 10. 4-[4-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)butyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 11. 4-[7-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)heptyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 3. 12. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methylsulfinylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 2. 13. 4-[6-(4-Chlorophenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 2. 14. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is hydrogen, and R' and R" are phenyl.
 15. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 14. 16. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is loweralkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 17. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is loweralkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R' and R" are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Ar is 2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl.
 18. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1-butyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 19. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 20. 4-[5-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)pentyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 21. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 22. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 23. 4-[7-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)heptyl]-1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 24. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1-propyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 17. 25.4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole-1-ethanol, according to claim
 1. 26. Ethyl 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-acetate, according to claim
 1. 27. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole, according to claim
 1. 28. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-ol, according to claim
 1. 29. 4-[6-(2-Chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-1-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole.
 30. A composition for combatting viruses which comprises an antivirally effective amount of at least one compound according to claim 1 in admixture with a suitable carrier or diluent.
 31. A composition according to claim 30 wherein the antivirally effective compound is 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salt thereof.
 32. A method for combatting viruses which comprises contacting the locus of said viruses with an antivirally effective amount of at least one compound according to claim
 1. 33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the antivirally effective compound is 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,5-diethyl-1H-pyrazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salt thereof. 